Landscape Character Area Assessment

The Landscape Character Area Assessment identifies seventeen landscape character areas in North Dorset and explains how they contribute to the special character of the District. Each character area is identified on a separate map, with accompanying photographs. The supporting text describes the landscape of individual Character Areas in terms of their land shape and structure, settlement pattern and land cover, and (where appropriate) historical influences. The key characteristics of each Character Area are also listed.

The assessment will be used to inform the landscape policies in the Local Development Framework and can be used to help determine planning applications. It can be used by residents and community groups in developing community plans and Village Design Statements and also by other organisations, such as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnerships, to inform landscape management plans.

A draft assessment was sent out for an eight-week consultation period during December 2007 and January 2008. The comments received were taken into account in the final document.

The final document and an addendum can be downloaded from the link to the right.

Landscape Character Area Assessment

Full Document

Addendum